Taipei, Dec. 6 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian pledged Wednesday that his administration will use new thinking and new strategy to boost solidarity of overseas Chinese communities around the world in the face of mainland China's intensified "courting" efforts.
Chen made the vow while meeting with 170-plus commissioners of the Cabinet-level Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission (OCAC), who just concluded their first plenary meeting since Chen's administration was inaugurated in May this year.
Chen said mainland China has stepped drives to court allegiance of overseas Chinese by launching a series of "anti-Taiwan independence and pro-China unification" activities and driving wedges between the new Republic of China government and overseas Chinese communities.
To cope with mainland China's nationalistic and ideological publicity campaign, Chen said, the OCAC must use new thinking and innovative strategy in dealing with overseas Chinese affairs and consolidating overseas Chinese support for the ROC's national cause.
"We must continue improve services to overseas Chinese and forge even closer contacts with them so that overseas Chinese groups around the world will continue using their clout to help safeguard Taiwan's national security and interests in the international community."
Chen went on to say that his administration will continue exercising sincerity and patience in pursuing "goodwill reconciliation, constructive cooperation and lasting peace" with mainland China.
"We will continue seeking a breakthrough to the current cross-Taiwan Strait stalemate and pushing for an early resumption of bilateral dialogue to create a win-win scenario for both sides," Chen stressed.
Noting that the people of Taiwan used their ballots to complete the ROC's first democratic transfer of power from the Kuomintang to his Democratic Progressive Party in the March 18 presidential election, Chen said the event marks a milestone in the global Chinese community.
"Taiwan has not only set a new model for democratic development in Asia but has also added a touching example to the world's ongoing Third Wave democratization," Chen said, adding that all local residents and overseas Chinese the world over should treasure this hard-won achievement and work together to usher in a new era in Chinese history.
Chen vowed to establish a clean, efficient, forward-looking, energetic and competent new government with flexibility and expertise to cope with any emergencies and boost the well-being of people at home and abroad.